Politurco strongly condemns the unjust arrest and detention of teenage girls in Turkey under the pretext of anti-terrorism laws. This outrageous violation of fundamental human rights, including the freedom of religion, peaceful assembly, and fair treatment, demands immediate global attention and intervention.
On May 7, 2024, Turkish authorities arrested several teenage girls, along with their family members, for alleged ties to the Hizmet movement. The charges stem from their participation in peaceful religious activities, such as attending prayers, reading religious texts, and engaging in social gatherings. These activities, safeguarded by international human rights law, have been baselessly redefined by the Erdogan regime as “terrorist activities,” in a gross distortion of Law No. 3713.
Even more alarming is the detention of 13 young girls, aged 13 to 17, who are being subjected to psychological pressure to force them into testifying against their family members. This coercion represents a clear violation of international standards regarding the treatment of minors in legal proceedings and further exposes the regime’s disregard for human rights.
Moreover, one of the detained mothers, suffering from severe medical conditions, remains imprisoned without access to critical medical treatment, a grave violation of both domestic and international standards on the humane treatment of detainees.
These arrests are not isolated incidents. They are part of a systematic campaign by the Turkish government to target individuals associated with the Hizmet movement, criminalizing peaceful religious practices. The government’s relentless persecution of innocent people based on their beliefs underscores Turkey’s ongoing violations of its obligations under international human rights law.
Politurco demands the immediate release of these teenage girls, their families, and all individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights.
We call upon the international community to take urgent action:
- Governments and human rights organizations must put pressure on Turkey to end its crackdown on religious freedom and human rights.
- International bodies, including the United Nations and the European Union, must investigate these abuses and hold Turkey accountable for its violations of international law.
- Civil society and global media should amplify the voices of those silenced under Erdogan’s regime and advocate for justice for the victims of these injustices.
Now is the time for the international world to unite and stand against these egregious human rights violations. Inaction would further embolden the Erdogan regime’s assault on the freedoms of Turkish citizens and set a dangerous precedent for the suppression of religious expression worldwide.
Politurco urges the world to act in solidarity with the oppressed in Turkey, defending the universal rights to freedom of religion, belief, and peaceful assembly. Only through international pressure and a united front can justice be restored.
Politurco
